Kellen Clemens and the Rams threatened the Seahawks with a first-and-goal in the final minutes, but Seattle's defense turned away St. Louis on back-to-back plays from the 1-yard line to wrap up the win.

The Seahawks didn't dominate the Saints in the same fashion as they did in their regular-season matchup in Seattle, but New Orleans' fourth-quarter push wasn't enough to keep Pete Carroll's crew from moving on.

The rivalry more than lived up to its billing in the third matchup this season, as the Seahawks scored 10 points in the fourth quarter and intercepted Colin Kaepernick's late heave to the end zone for a trip to the Super Bowl.

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman has been the talk of the NFL since his role on the final play of the NFC Championship Game and subsequent interview with Fox's Erin Andrews.(Photo: Steven Bisig, USA TODAY Sports)

Sherman also drew a flag for taunting after tipping the victory-clinching interception to teammate Malcolm Smith in the final minute of Sunday's 23-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, sending the Seahawks to Super Bowl XLVIII.

After the play, Sherman offered a handshake to 49ers receiver Michael Crabtree, who shoved him away, and flashed a choke sign he said was aimed at quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Crabtree was not fined.